The Rogersound Labs Speedwoofer 10S MKII has consistently impressed audio enthusiasts and critics alike, earning its place as a top contender in the subwoofer market. For anyone seeking the Best Sub 2024 for a home theater or music listening experience, the Speedwoofer 10S MKII warrants serious consideration. This 10-inch subwoofer manages to strike an ideal balance: delivering powerful bass while maintaining the finesse needed for nuanced audio reproduction, all within a conveniently compact form factor. However, it’s exclusively available directly from Rogersound Labs.
Superb All-Around Performance: Why It Could Be the Best Sub of 2024
The Rogersound Labs Speedwoofer 10S MKII distinguishes itself by offering almost everything a discerning listener could desire in a mid-priced subwoofer, making it a strong candidate for best sub 2024. It boasts ample power for impactful action movie soundtracks and the necessary subtlety and precision for exceptional sound quality when listening to music. At its core is a 10-inch woofer housed in a ported enclosure, powered by a robust 400-watt internal amplifier. Despite its powerful capabilities, it maintains a relatively compact size, measuring approximately 16 by 15 by 16.75 inches (HWD).
Praised for Sound Quality: The Speedwoofer 10S MKII is frequently cited as one of the best-sounding subwoofers available in its class. It delivers a punchy and precise upper-bass response, ideal for reproducing the sharp snap of kick drums and electric bass. Simultaneously, it retains composure and delivers deep, room-shaking bass for ultra-low frequencies, such as those found in movie soundtracks with deep bass effects. This blend of versatility and compact design has made it a favorite among listening panels, professional reviewers, and dedicated audio enthusiasts, solidifying its potential as the best sub 2024 for many.
During listening tests, the original Speedwoofer 10S was lauded for its seamless integration with other speakers. The MKII version, particularly in music mode, continues this legacy. Panelists noted its ability to act as a natural extension of the overall sound system, providing a clean and smooth transition across the entire bass frequency range. While larger subwoofers might physically shake the floor more, the 10S MKII was often preferred for its more natural and tuneful bass reproduction, especially when playing music.
Rogersound Labs also offers a more budget-friendly option, the Speedwoofer 10E. While visually similar, the 10E incorporates a less powerful and less refined amplifier. Although both models exhibit similar measurements and sound comparable with movie soundtracks, the 10S MKII stands out with its more tuneful and precisely defined bass when reproducing music. This makes the 10S MKII a more versatile and well-rounded choice, strengthening its claim as a potential best sub 2024 pick. However, for those primarily focused on movie playback and seeking value, the 10E remains a compelling option.
Versatile Performance and Connections
The Speedwoofer 10S MKII enhances its appeal as a top contender for best sub 2024 with its versatile performance and connectivity options. It features two distinct listening modes, easily selectable using the crossover-frequency knob located on the subwoofer’s rear panel. Turning the knob clockwise engages “music mode,” activating the built-in crossover for optimized music listening. Conversely, turning it fully counterclockwise switches to “LFE mode.” This bypasses the crossover and boosts the low bass output by approximately 6 decibels, providing extra impact for action movies, hip-hop, or EDM genres. Interestingly, at very high volumes, the low-bass output of both modes becomes comparable in CTA-2010 output measurements.
The Rogersound Labs AT4 Wireless Audio Transmitter paired with the Speedwoofer 10S MKII for wireless subwoofer setup.
The Speedwoofer 10S MKII’s built-in wireless receiver enhances placement flexibility.
In terms of connectivity, the 10S MKII offers both line-level RCA stereo inputs and outputs, ensuring compatibility with receivers equipped with line-level subwoofer outputs. Crucially, for systems lacking a dedicated subwoofer output, the 10S MKII also includes speaker-level input connections, maximizing compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.
Further enhancing its user-friendliness, the 10S MKII incorporates a noise gate, designed to minimize the common hum issues often associated with powered subwoofers. It also features an integrated wireless receiver, enabling seamless pairing with Rogersound’s affordable wireless transmitter. This wireless capability simplifies setup and expands placement options, making it even more appealing as a best sub 2024 option for modern homes.
Impressive CTA-2010 Measurements
Objective measurements further solidify the Speedwoofer 10S MKII’s position as a high-performing subwoofer and a strong contender for best sub 2024. In LFE mode, the 10S MKII achieved impressive CTA-2010 output measurements, reaching 115.9 dB in the midbass and 108.8 dB in the low bass range. Notably, its low-bass output surpassed approximately half of the more expensive models tested. While the even more budget-friendly Monoprice SW-12 demonstrated slightly higher output, the tuning and overall sound quality of the 10S MKII are often perceived as superior. This substantial deep-bass output contributes significantly to the immersive and enjoyable listening experience provided by the 10S MKII, setting it apart from many subwoofers in and even above its price category. The subjective perception is that the 10S MKII delivers a more powerful bass sound compared to the Monoprice SW-12, despite the latter’s higher output measurements.
Aesthetically, the 10S MKII adheres to the common “plain black box” design prevalent among subwoofers. However, it distinguishes itself with an attractive finish and a reasonably compact enclosure, blending functionality with subtle visual appeal.
Rear panel detail of the Rogersound Labs Speedwoofer 10S MKII showing inputs and controls for system integration.
The Speedwoofer 10S MKII offers versatile connection options for almost any audio system.
Minor Drawbacks to Consider
While the Rogersound Labs Speedwoofer 10S MKII presents a compelling case for best sub 2024, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider.
Performance vs. Budget Alternatives: Although the 10S MKII’s measurements are competitive within its size and price bracket, the larger and less expensive Monoprice SW-12 technically achieved higher output in measurements. However, subjective listening tests revealed that the SW-12 lacked the sonic fullness and overall enjoyment factor of the 10S MKII. This highlights that measurements are not the only factor in determining the best sub 2024, and subjective listening experience remains crucial.
Lack of Advanced Features: The 10S MKII forgoes smartphone app control, equalization, or automatic room correction features. However, it’s important to note that subwoofers offering these advanced features typically come at a significantly higher price point. For those seeking a balance of performance and value, the absence of these features is a reasonable trade-off.
Direct-to-Consumer Availability: The Speedwoofer 10S MKII is exclusively sold through the Rogersound Labs website. This direct-to-consumer model means limited retail options and complete reliance on Rogersound Labs for support. Additionally, stock availability can be inconsistent, with the subwoofer occasionally selling out. Potential buyers should be aware of these factors when considering the 10S MKII as their best sub 2024 choice.
Conclusion:
The Rogersound Labs Speedwoofer 10S MKII stands out as an exceptional all-around subwoofer, deserving serious consideration for anyone seeking the best sub 2024. Its superb balance of power, finesse, compact size, and versatile features makes it a top performer in its class. While minor drawbacks exist, they are outweighed by its exceptional sound quality and overall value, solidifying its position as a leading contender in the subwoofer market for 2024.
